Bad driving habits can be easier to acquire than they are to let go of. There are many reasons why some drivers develop these habits, including learning them from other drivers or because they feel more convenient than following the rules. Whatever the reason, they can cause damage to parts of your car, violate the law, or cause an accident. When you’re driving in Rockville, MD, these are some of the bad habits to avoid.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) has set speed limits throughout the state, and these speed limits are based on research and experience. Some drivers, unfortunately, believe that speed limits are a goal to aim for rather than an upper-speed limit.
The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the stopping distance needed when applying the brakes. In addition, it’s more difficult for most drivers to control a fast-moving car, which can lead to an accident. It’s important for safety always to follow the speed limit. Speeding is also an offense; a traffic officer will give you a ticket. Depending on the speed, you could even lose your driver’s license.
Listening to Loud Music
Almost everyone enjoys music, and one of the first things many drivers do is set their radio to a favorite station. A temptation, particularly for many younger drivers, is to set the volume as high as possible. This practice, unfortunately, can be dangerous for two reasons. Firstly, loud music can be very distracting, and it’s easy for a driver to focus on the music without paying attention to the road ahead.
The second reason loud music can be dangerous is it can prevent you from hearing the sounds around you as you drive. Driving involves all of your senses, not just your eyes. Due to the high volume, a driver may not hear the screeching of a vehicle ahead of them slamming on the brakes. This reduces your reaction time and could result in your car rear-ending the vehicle ahead of you.
Cutting Other Cars Off
Every driver has seen vehicles on the road weaving between lanes. Many drivers think it’s a fast and easy way to get to where they’re going. This is a dangerous practice, as it relies on the reflexes and brakes of the drivers that are being cut off. A driver who suddenly has a car weave in front of them may not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident.
A minority of drivers may object to being cut off and could accelerate to prevent you from switching lanes. You’re then faced with the choice of speeding faster to change lanes or suddenly braking and being struck from behind by a vehicle behind you. For safety, it’s essential to always use your turn signals and use caution before switching lanes.
These are a few bad habits to avoid, but for more helpful advice on all things automotive, feel free to check out more of our tips & tricks today! Interested in checking out some cars that are loaded with safety features? We suggest checking out our blog about the 2022 Toyota RAV4!
DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville is dedicated to giving you the tools and information you need for optimal safety behind the wheel.
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